5. Use detail to create impact.

Facts, figures and the five Ws ensure that the extent and significance of your accomplishments are fully understood. Paint a picture by telling them not just that your initiatives increased productivity but by how much. Give them specifics about your former or current employer. As an added benefit, this level of detail sends a strong and positive secondary message: It tells the hiring team you're professional, well-organized and serious about the opportunity. Don't drone on though. Most strong executive-level resumes are three to four pages long, no more and no less.

6. Pay attention to the little details.

With two hundred seemingly qualified resumes on their desk for one job, it's all too easy for hiring managers to overlook or eliminate those with slight imperfections. Protect yours by tending to the little details such as:

• Name your electronic resume something meaningful to the recruiter.
• Send it as a Word document to ensure it can be uploaded to most databases.
• List contact information on each and every header so that getting in touch is easy.
• Don't use acronyms.
• Make sure your titles properly reflect your roles.

As the first point of contact between employer and candidate, your resume is a golden opportunity to make a strong and lasting impression. Use it for all it's worth.